LHC gives last chance to consular for reply

LAHORE The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday gave last opportunity to Mst Shahnaz Mazhar, consular (welfare) Pakistan High Commission, London to file reply to a petition which has challenged her appointment to this office, allegedly that the same was made in violation of rules and regulations of foreign office. The petition, filed by Syed Muhammad Ilyas, Chief Executive Immigrants Employment Promotion Bureau, is being heard by Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry. The petitioner also alleges that Mst Shahnaz Mazhar being wife of provincial minister Sindh Peer Mazharul Haq, has been appointed to said office as political favour when the fact is, she lacks the required caliber to safeguard interests of Pakistan in the important country like Great Britain. He said the ladies belonging to political families as attach Pakistan High Commission were making huge money allegedly by illegally issuing visas besides receiving huge salaries in foreign currency. During proceedings, deputy attorney on behalf of federation told the court that notice could not be served to the respondent lady as the petitioner could not provide her address. The petitioner counsel submitted that notice could not be served on the respondent lady because her husband was a minister and alleged that the foreign ministry appointed her through Secretary Manpower government of Pakistan which was concealing her address. On this Justice Ijaz Chaudhry directed federal secretary manpower and the foreign office to inform Mst Shahnaz about the petition at the earliest. The court held that the secretary manpower and Shahnaz were being given last opportunity to respond to the court notice otherwise respondent (Mst Shahnaz) will be stopped from doing the job till final decision on this petition. The judge directed the law office to serve notice to secretary man power and foreign office on phone without delay and ensure they submit reply till Nov 16, the next date of hearing.